Method and apparatus for treating goods

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for treating food products wherein the food products are subjected to impacts, wherein the food products are placed in a container ( 1 ), are subsequently subjected to impacts through movements of the container and are finally taken out of the container. Device for treating food products, comprising: a container ( 1 ) which is movable on a horizontal rotation axis and which is opened on its upper side, and a drive device to cause the container to execute a reciprocating movement, wherein the container is placed at least one collision surface ( 4.5 ) which is arranged such that when the reciprocating movement of the container is executed the bodies placed in the container repeatedly strike the at least one collision surface. The food products are preferably formed by meat or fish pieces, and water is introduced into the container so that during the jolting in the container the food products at least partially absorb the water present in the container. These measures result in an improvement in the tenderness of the meat.

The invention relates to a method for treating products wherein theproducts are subjected to impacts, wherein the products are placed in acontainer, are subsequently subjected to impacts through movements ofthe container and then taken out of the container.

Such a method forms the subject-matter of the non-prepublishedWO-A-99/63832.

This device is adapted for the treatment of meat pieces. The meat piecesplaced in the container are carried along by the structures present inthe container when the container is rotated. When a determined positionhas been reached the meat pieces drop off the structure and fall ontothe then lowest container wall part. Structures are however alsoarranged on this container wall part. These structures at leastpartially negate the results of the fall during the collision with thecontainer wall.

The object of the invention is to provide such a method wherein theresult of the fall, i.e. the collision between the products and thecontainer wall, is as great as possible.

The objective is achieved in that the products in the container collidewith a substantially flat surface.

Because the products come into contact with the container wall withtheir whole surface, a larger part of the products undergoes the effectof the collision, so that the effectiveness is greatly increased.

A flat surface is also understood to mean for instance a slightly curvedor ribbed surface.

It is noted here that it is of course known from the trade for a butcherto treat meat pieces for instance by hand, wherein the butcher strikesthe meat piece with the blunt or flat side of a knife to make the meatpiece more tender. It will be apparent that the capacity will beextremely low in the case of this traditional trade method. This limitsthe field of application to expensive food products, for instance meatof high quality such as rump steak.

Although the invention is aimed in the first instance at the applicationwith food products, other applications are by no means precluded.Applications can be envisaged in for instance the laundry industry. Thecleaning effect is here also greatly enhanced when the collision surfaceis as large as possible.

According to a first preferred embodiment the products are formed bymeat or fish pieces and water is introduced into the container so thatduring the impacts in the container the products at least partiallyabsorb the water present in the container.

These measures result in an improvement in the tenderness of the meat orthe fish; the greater the collision surface, the better the absorptionof water. Water is also understood to mean other water-containingliquids such as brine etc.

According to another preferred embodiment the products from a singletransport container are placed in groups in the container, are treatedand are placed from the container into a single transport container.

This method has the advantage that the content of a transport containerfits precisely into a container in which the products are subjected to atreatment. The logistical advantage hereof is evident. Another advantageis that the content of a transport container does not come into contactwith the content of other containers, so that cross-infection isprevented, particularly in the case of foodstuffs. A final advantagelies in the fact that a batch of products, i.e. the content of atransport container, is traceable. This is of great importance inrespect of future legislation concerning foodstuffs. The treatment ofsmall batches is also easier than in more of a bulk container.

This embodiment has the further advantage that a quantity of water orother water-containing liquid can be added to the batch. The device isfound to be so effective that the available liquid is already fullyabsorbed by the products after only a short time. A prescribed quantityof liquid can hereby be administered more easily in reproducible manner.

The invention further relates to a method wherein the container on anend of a movement frame is placed into the movement frame, that themovement frame is suitable for containing more than one container, thatthe movement frame is drivable to execute a recurring movement and thatsimultaneously with placing of a container at one end a container isremoved from the movement frame at the other side.

This embodiment also improves the logistical properties of the method;the containers can be simply shifted through.

The invention further relates to a device for treating products,comprising:

-   -   a container which is movable on a substantially horizontal        rotation axis and which is open on its upper side, and    -   a drive device to cause the container to execute a recurring        movement.

Such a device also forms the subject of WO-A-99/63832.

The same drawbacks obtain for the device described in this publicationas for the method described in this publication.

In order to make such a device more effective in subjecting its contentto impacts, such a device is characterized in that in the container isplaced at least one flat collision surface which is arranged such thatwhen the recurring movement of the container is executed the bodiesplaced in the container repeatedly strike the at least one collisionsurface.

According to an attractive preferred embodiment there are two collisionsurfaces arranged in the container which are placed symmetricallyrelative to the axis of rotation, and the drive device is adapted tocause the container to repeatedly execute a part of a revolvingmovement.

This results in a structurally attractive embodiment which, whenincluded in a line for treating products, can be readily adapted to therequirements such as flow rate, dimensions of containers and the like ofthe remaining components of the line.

According to a particularly attractive embodiment, a holding surface isarranged connecting onto each of the collision surfaces, wherein theholding surfaces are placed symmetrically relative to the axis ofrotation, the holding surfaces intersect at an angle lying between 90°and 150°, and the axis of rotation of the movement lies below theintersecting line of the holding surfaces.

This geometry has the result that firstly the products fall freelywithout contacting the walls by which the fall could be slowed, and thatsecondly the products not only drop straight downward but, if the drivevelocity is sufficient, they cover an oblique, even slightly curvedtrajectory due to the impulse transmitted to the products during themovement. This greatly increases the collision speed.

The placing of the containers in the frame has the effect that thecontainers are subjected in groups to the recurring reciprocatingmovement. The fact that the containers are fed in at one side anddischarged at the other side makes it possible to create a continuoussystem. Loading and unloading devices for the containers can beincorporated into this continuous system. The empty containers comingfrom the unloading device can be loaded again in the loading station,optionally after passing through a cleaning station.

Other attractive preferred embodiments are stated in the remainingsub-claims.

The present invention will be elucidated hereinbelow with reference tothe annexed figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a partly broken-away perspective view of the container shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective schematic view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 is a detail view of the device shown in FIG. 4.

The device for use in performing the method according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 1. This is formed essentially by a container1 which is mounted tiltably on a shaft 2. Placed for this purpose onshaft 2 is a block 3 to which container 1 is attached.

Container 1 is formed essentially by two side plates 4 respectively 5,and two bottom plates 6,7 which are shown most clearly in FIG. 2. Thetwo bottom plates enclose an angle of about 135°. Container 1 furthercomprises two end wall plates 8 respectively 9. Two cover plates 10respectively 11 are further arranged on the upper side, between whichplates is left an opening 12.

The whole container is manufactured from a suitable material, preferablystainless steel, for treating foodstuffs or products taken up in water.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 2 is mounted in two bearingblocks, only one of which, 13, is visible. Mounted on shaft 2 is a crank14 which is connected by means of a drive rod 15 to a crank 16. Crank 16is mounted on a disc 17 which is driven in rotation by an electric motor18 and a reduction mechanism 19.

The dimensioning of cranks 14 respectively 16 and drive rod 15 is suchthat when disc 17 rotates the shaft 2 executes a recurring,reciprocating movement. The movement corresponds with a rotation throughan angle of about 120°. It is anticipated that angles lying between 90°and 135° give a good result. Tests have shown that an angle of 120°gives exceptionally good results. The choice of this angle can inprinciple also be somewhat larger, for instance even 140° or 150°.

Reference is made to FIG. 2 for the operation of the device and theeffects of the method.

Prior to performing the method, material for treating, for instance meatpieces 20 such as fillets, are carried into container 1 via fillingopening 12.

Starting from a neutral position of the container, these fillet pieceswill come to lie on the bottom. Motor 18 is then switched on, wherebythe container will begin to execute its tilting movement on the shaft.When the position shown in FIG. 2 is reached, the meat pieces will dropoff bottom plate 7 onto side plate 4. This side plate 4 thereforeperforms the function of collision surface.

When the container moves back the meat pieces will slide along thecollision surface 4 onto bottom plate 6 and, upon arrival at the otherextreme position, which forms the mirror image of the position shown inFIG. 2, the meat pieces 20 will drop off the bottom onto side plate 5which here fulfils the function of collision surface. It is essentialhere that the bottom surface 7 is placed vertically.

The thus described process can be repeated a great number of times. Itis important herein that the meat pieces are regularly struck by acollision surface, thereby increasing their tenderness.

According to another method, the striking of the meat pieces is used tocause the meat to absorb a liquid. Water, brine and so on can beenvisaged here. This also has the function of improving the quality ofthe meat. For this purpose the relevant liquid is introduced intocontainer 1 prior to or subsequent to infeed of the meat pieces,whereafter the same tilting operations are performed. The meat is hereintreated such that it slowly absorbs the available liquid.

Of significance here is the fact that the quantity of brine or otherliquid absorbed by the meat can be determined precisely, which isimportant in assessing the effectiveness of the device. Furthermore, theabsorption of the brine by the meat can hereby be precisely determined.

The above embodiment is described with reference to the treatment ofmeat. It will be apparent that other products and materials can also betreated, such as laundry for cleaning.

A significant advantage compared to the prior art devices is the factthat a relatively large number of small quantities of meat can betreated simultaneously.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a device according to theinvention. Separate containers 1 are herein placed in a frame 21 asshown in FIG. 4 which is driven in its entirety for execution of thetilting movement. Frame 21 is formed by two rings 22 respectively 23which rest on rollers 24. Rings 22,23 are connected by side rails 25, onwhich can rest wheels 26 connected to the containers.

Containers 1 are placed successively with their wheels 26 on rails 25,whereafter they can be displaced in the axial direction as further newcontainers are placed.

The geometry of the containers is shown in this drawing; it will beapparent that other geometries can be applied, although at present theillustrated geometry is recommended. It is important that the productsfor treatment release from the wall 6 or 7 shortly before reaching anextreme position and drop freely to the other wall 6 or 7. Because ofthe dynamics of the movement the other wall will already be making amovement in the opposite direction, which increases the effect of theimpulse of the collision. The speed of the drive is also important inimparting a ‘swing’ to the falling products; this also increases theeffect of the collision.

As shown in FIG. 4, use is made for driving of the tilting movement of aconnecting rail 27 between rings 22,23. The rail 27 is connected to acrank 29 mounted on a shaft 28 by means of a U-shaped lever 30. TheU-shape of lever 30 results from the wish not to disrupt the transportof containers 1 in the axial direction.

The opening 12 on the top side of the container is closed by a cover 32.

Such a device is for instance suitable for subjecting six containerssimultaneously to a recurring movement. A container is herein subjectedto the tilting movement for instance for six periods of for instance oneminute each. Although this is not shown in the drawing, it is possibleto move the ring 25 upward. The containers can hereby be pushed againstcovers arranged in the frame.

In order to move the rail upward, use is preferably made of a flexiblerod which can be filled with a gas and which then moves toward the railsof the cover. Other drives are also possible. This

means that a high meat-processing capacity is sustained with batches ofmanageable size; this means that a single person can load a container,place it on the rack, remove a subsequent container and empty it. Thetilting movement will of course have to stopped for placing and removalof containers.

FIGS. 4 and 5 also show a construction 33 which bears some resemblanceto the frame 21. The object of this construction is to tilt thecontainers in order to empty them. This construction therefore comprisestwo rings 34,35 which are connected by rails 36 on which the wheels 26of containers 1 can travel. The rails are however formed such that thewheels also hold the containers in the tilted situation. For driving ofthe construction use is made of a gear rim 37 which is arranged on ring34 and which is in engagement with a pinion 40 arranged on a shaft 38 ofmotor 39.

FIG. 5 shows the further elements of a device operating in fullyautomated manner. The device comprises an inclining supply frame 41 withintegrated rails which leads to frame 21. Arranged above the positionimmediately preceding the frame is a crane 42 for optional supply of aliquid to the content of the containers.

The containers coming out of the frame are moved obliquely upward to theunloading device 33 via a crossbeam 43. The containers leaving theunloading device are fed via a discharge frame 44 to a feed hopper 45,where the containers are filled with products for treatment. A cleaningdevice for the containers can be incorporated into discharge frame 44.

Finally, a second crossbeam 46 of the filling device 45 leads to theinclining supply frame.

It will be apparent that further diverse modifications can be made inthis device.

1. Method for treating products wherein the products are placed in acontainer, are subsequently subjected to impacts through movements ofthe container and are finally taken out of the containers, and whereinthe products in the container collide with a substantially flat surface,characterized in that the container executes a reciprocating movementextending over only a part of a revolution of the container.
 2. Methodas claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the products are formed offood products such as meat or fish pieces, that water is introduced intothe container and that during the impacts in the container the foodproducts at least partially absorb the water present in the container.3. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that products from asingle transport container are placed in groups in the container, aretreated and are placed from the container into a single transportcontainer.
 4. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that thecontainer on an end of a movement frame is placed into the movementframe, that the movement frame is suitable for containing more than onecontainer, that the movement frame is drivable to execute a recurringmovement and that simultaneously with placing of a container at one enda container is removed from the movement frame at the other side. 5.Device for treating products, comprising a container which is movable ona substantially horizontal rotation axis, at least two substantiallyflat collision surfaces which are arranged in the container such thatwhen the recurring movement of the container is executed, the productsplaced in the container repeatedly strike at least one collisionsurface, and a drive device to cause the container to execute arecurring movement, characterized in that two collision surfaces arearranged in the container which are placed symmetrically relative to theaxis of rotation, that the container is opened on its upper side, andthat the drive device is adapted to cause the container to repeatedlyexecute a part of a revolving reciprocating movement with extremeposition at each end of the reciprocating movement.
 6. Device as claimedin claim 5, characterized in that a holding surface is arrangedconnecting onto each of the collision surfaces, wherein the holdingsurfaces are symmetrical relative to the axis of rotation, the holdingsurfaces intersect at an angle lying between 90° and 135°, and that theaxis of rotation of the movement lies below the intersecting line of theholding surfaces.
 7. Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in thatthe drive device comprises a crank or eccentric which is drivable by amotor and which is coupled to the container by means of a drive rod. 8.Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the drive device andthe container are adapted to hold a liquid in the extreme position ofthe container.
 9. Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in thatthe container is adapted to treat effectively a quantity of productscorresponding with the useful capacity of a transport container usualfor transporting the products to be subjected to treatment.
 10. Deviceas claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the container is placedremovably on carriers arranged in a frame, wherein the frame is drivablefor the recurring movement.
 11. Device as claimed in claim 10,characterized in that the carriers are adapted to carry at least twocontainers.
 12. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that thecarriers are connected to at least two elements extending in a circulararc which are driven in accordance with the reciprocating movement. 13.Device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that supply means arearranged on one side of the frame for supplying containers and dischargemeans are arranged on the other side of the frame for discharging thecontainers.
 14. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in thatsupply means are arranged on one side of the frame for supplyingcontainers and discharge means are arranged on the other side of theframe for discharging the containers.
 15. Device as claimed in claim 14,characterized in that the drive device is adapted to cause thereciprocating movement of the frame to stop during supply and dischargeof the containers.
 16. Device as claimed in claim 14, characterized inthat discharge means for the containers are connected to an unloadingdevice and that a loading device is connected to the supply means. 17.Device as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that the unloadingdevice is connected to the loading device.
 18. Device as claimed inclaim 11, characterized in that a cover for the containers is arrangedin the frame and that the carriers are movable toward the cover. 19.Device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that a cover for thecontainers is arranged in the frame and that the carriers are movabletoward the cover.
 20. Device as claimed in claim 19, characterized inthat supply means are arranged on one side of the frame for supplyingcontainers and discharge means are arrange on the other side of theframe for discharging the containers.